Busy first day for new Covid testing centre at Cookstown

A new coronavirus mobile testing centre has reportedly been "packed out" since opening in Cookstown this morning.
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The mobile centre is located at the car park in Mid Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA) on the Tullywiggan Road, about a mile from the town centre.

"It's been flat out since this morning when cars started arriving," a source told the Mid Ulster Mail.

"There's been a spike in the numbers of people testing for Covid in the district and a lot of people are worried they might have the virus. Worrying times for many."

New mobile testing centre in Cookstown.New mobile testing centre in Cookstown.
New mobile testing centre in Cookstown.

It is understood Mid Ulster District Council has assisted the Public Health Agency with a request to find a suitable area and MUSA was singled out as the best location.

Previously, local people had to travel to Craigavon, Antrim or further afield to be tested.

The centre will be in use during the day and the testing team will be on site until 4pm each day day, Monday to Sunday.

Responding, local Councillor Trevor Wilson welcomed the development, as he said many people were having to wait a long time to get a test or having to travel to other locations.

"It's good that this mobile centre is located in Mid Ulster district and the Mid Ulster Sports Arena is an excellent location," he said.

Councillor Wilson said it was also important that people continued to wash their hands regularly, wear a face mask, and social distance to stop the spread of the virus.

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